Psychotherapist jailed for raping 14-year-old boy in leisure centre toilet

A psychotherapist has been jailed for 17 years for the rape of a 14-year-old boy in a “degrading attack” in the toilets of a leisure centre.

Nicholas Gully, 48, of Eley Crescent, Rottingdean, East Sussex, was sentenced at Hove Crown Court after he was convicted of raping the boy and two other sexual assaults against him.

The offences took place in a cubicle in the men’s toilets at the King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove on January 29.

Gully (pictured) will also be a registered sex offender for life and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) severely restricting his access to children under 16.

Detective Sergeant Julie Greenwood, of Sussex Police, said: “Gully deliberately targeted this young boy who he spotted in the reception area where the boy was waiting for his mother, he followed him and subjected him to the most degrading assault.

“We very much admire the courage of the victim in giving evidence in court.”

The boy’s mother said: “What started off as a perfectly normal Sunday, with my son attending the leisure centre having newly acquired membership on turning 14, turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.

“The unimaginable events that took place that day with him being deliberately targeted and attacked by a serious sexual predator whilst waiting for a lift home from me have had devastating consequences for my son and close family.

“He has had to come to terms with what has happened to him and also deal with the police investigation and trial.

“What has stood out to us is his outstanding bravery in coming forward immediately after the incident and the incredible support of his close friends, and the professional services involved including the police and Survivors’ Network workers.

“I believe the perpetrator to be a serious sexual predator who, if he had not been detained, would have been an ongoing serious threat to young people.

“We are so relieved that the trial is now over and are looking forward to moving forward with our lives.”

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